Senior Admiral Devin Martin has a grip on HVA’s Tyler Hemry in the 132-finals. Martin won an 11-7 decision to claim a region crown.

HARDIN VALLEY — Tyler McKeefery won a third consecutive regional wrestling championship Saturday, Feb. 10, earning the junior a trip to the Class AAA State Wrestling Championships for a third straight season.

And this time, he’s hoping to leave Franklin with a medal.

“This is my third region championship and I’m looking forward to going to state,” said McKeefery, Farragut High School’s 113-pounder who won the Region 3-AAA championship Saturday when he pinned Heritage’s Zach Teaster in 2 minutes 36 seconds at Hardin Valley Academy. “I’m hoping to go down there and medal this year.

“I made it to the quarterfinals last year and I got beat,” added McKeefery, 38-1 in 2017-18.

He’ll be one of 21 Farragut-area wrestlers to compete in this week’s state meet in Williamson County Ag Expo Center in Franklin. Tournament action begins today (Feb. 15).

He’ll be joined by teammates Devin Martin, a senior who won the 132-pound region crown by defeating Hardin Valley’s Tyler Hemry 11-7 in what was voted as the region’s Outstanding Match.

Admirals skipper Bobby Hampshire said he was pleased with his squad’s effort Saturday.

“This is the best showing that we’ve had [at the region championships],” he said. “Tyler has really grown up. Devin has improved a ton and Zach made it to the region championship match as a freshman and that’s big.”

Martin, who will make his second state tournament appearance this week, outlasted Hemry and avenged last year’s loss to the HVA senior. “He pinned me in the consolation final last year,” said Martin, who will take a 38-5 record with him to Franklin. “I felt like I deserved this win.”

Going 0-2 at state last year, “This year, I just want to medal,” he said.

Meanwhile, HVA sophomore Josh Pietarila (152 pounds) claimed the region title, while being named Outstanding Wrestler in the Upper Weights, after he defeated Maryville’s Alaeldin Gibril by fall in 1:18.

Pietarila (25-2) will make his second straight trip to Franklin. “I’m going down there this year and I feel like I can get the job done,” he said. “It’s a lot of pressure.